According to the AARP, nearly 90 percent of adults over 65 want to remain in their current homes as they grow older. (They just don’t want any tell-tale modifications drawing attention to their age.)

The good news is: Universal Design Principles are truly becoming universal. Design features which accommodate a variety of physical abilities are increasingly being incorporated into both new and remodeled home designs. A home designed with safety in mind can also be aesthetically pleasing.

If you’d like to age in place, or are looking for a home where you can, here are some things you can start thinking about/planning for now.

Easy access

Have at least one entry to your home that has no steps. Widen doorways to accommodate a wheel chair’s width. Change out door knobs for door levers which are easier to operate.

Room to move

Excess furniture creates obstacles and impedes mobility. Decluttering is the simplest way to make your home significantly safer. Remove things that are easy to trip over — or bump into.

Light at the right height.

Placing light switches at wheel-chair height makes it easier to turn the lights on. You’ll also want to think about adding automatic night-lights in bedrooms, hallways and bathrooms.

Bed + bath on the main floor.

Plan to have the master bedroom and a full bath on the main floor. Create it as a guest suite now, and you’ll appreciate having it when you need it.

Whether you’re thinking of aging-in-place in your current home or downsizing to a new one, things always works best when you start early – and get space-planning help. As a Certified Senior Move Manager/Interior Designer On The Move can design a space you’ll love to live in.